MLB Free Pick: Pirates vs Rockies

The Colorado Rockies seem to have turned things around and look for their third consecutive win on Tuesday when they play host to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field, in the second game of their current three-game series.

The current line has not yet been released for this game, but check here for the latest in odds.

Colorado was 20-6 in its last 26 games before August, but started the month off poorly losing four straight prior to winning two straight heading into Tuesday’s matchup.

On Monday, the Rockies opened the series with a 2-0 win over the Pirates with Kyle Freeland and a pair of relievers combining to toss a three-hitter. Colorado only had five hits in the game but managed to score on a fielder’s choice and a sacrifice fly.

Colorado outfielder David Dahl collected two hits in Monday’s opener, starting for the first time since late May when his fractured his right foot.

Starling Marte has enjoyed the thin air of Coors Field prior to Monday’s game. Marte was 29-for-58 including a pair of home runs and 11 runs batted in over his first 14 games played in Colorado for Pittsburgh. However, on Monday he was hitless in his four at-bats.

Pittsburgh acquired shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-hander Matt Seelinger.

Pittsburgh had homered in nine consecutive games at Coors Field until its 2-0 loss on Monday.

Pittsburgh will start right-hander Jameson Taillon on the mound. Taillon this season is 8-8 with a 3.74 ERA. Taillon has been victorious in three of his last four starts giving up two runs or less in each of the first three.

The right-hander has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 consecutive outings and in 19 of his 22 starts this season. Taillon has started against the Rockies just once in his career and won. He allowed five hits in five shutout innings in June of last year.

Colorado will counter with Chad Bettis. The Rockies right-hander is 5-1 with a 5.10 ERA. Bettis has not started a game since July 1 because of a blister he suffered on the middle finger of his right hand.

Bettis, who is 29, has had a decision in just 2 of his last 11 appearances, of which both were victories. Bettis beat the Pirates April 17, when he allowed five hits in 7 1/3 shutout innings and has a career record of 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in five starts and two relief appearances versus Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Bettis is eager to get back out on the mound after a long layoff from a blister and will keep the Pirates bats silent for a second straight game. Colorado wins 8-2